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Configuration determination for k-out-of-n partially redundant systems

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  • Lu, Lixuan
  • Lewis, Gregory

Abstract

The k-out-of-n configuration is a widely adopted structure for partially redundant safety systems. This configuration ensures a high level of reliability and safety with limited financial and space resources. It also facilitates on-line Test and Maintenance (T&M) without having to shut the system down. One question a decision maker needs to answer when adopting k-out-of-n systems is: what is the best configuration for the application, i.e. how many channels in total need to be utilized and among these channels, how many channels need to function simultaneously in order for the system to function. There are various factors to consider in order to make this decision. This paper looks at this problem from a reliability engineers point of view. A quantitative analysis is performed for both unavailability and probability of spurious operation due to independent failure. In particular, the relative gain and/or loss of these quantities that occurs due to changing from one configuration to another are compared through rigorous mathematical analysis. The results provide important information that can be used when choosing system configurations to meet regulatory requirements and financial constraints. The two different configurations for shutdown systems in Nuclear Power Plants, the 2-out-of-3 system and the 2-out-of-4 system, are utilized as an example to illustrate the theoretical results.

Suggested Citation

  • Lu, Lixuan & Lewis, Gregory, 2008. "Configuration determination for k-out-of-n partially redundant systems," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 93(11), pages 1594-1604.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:reensy:v:93:y:2008:i:11:p:1594-1604
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ress.2008.02.009
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    Cited by:

    1. Fu, Jianmin & Li, Honghao & Chi, Yajuan & Zhen, Jia & Xu, Xiangfeng, 2021. "nSIL Evaluation and Sensitivity Study of Diverse Redundant Structure," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 210(C).
    2. Cheng, Yao & Elsayed, Elsayed A., 2018. "Reliability modeling and optimization of operational use of one-shot units," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 176(C), pages 27-36.
    3. Gabriel, Angelito & Ozansoy, Cagil & Shi, Juan, 2018. "Developments in SIL determination and calculation," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 177(C), pages 148-161.
    4. Bjarnason, Erik T.S. & Taghipour, Sharareh & Banjevic, Dragan, 2014. "Joint optimal inspection and inventory for a k-out-of-n system," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 203-215.
    5. Torres-Echeverría, A.C. & Martorell, S. & Thompson, H.A., 2011. "Modeling safety instrumented systems with MooN voting architectures addressing system reconfiguration for testing," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 96(5), pages 545-563.

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